Gloria Ayaa Shines as Kampala University Conquer Kigali
Kampala University Storm Kigali to Clinch Genocide Memorial Netball Crown
By Kayiira Jackson
Kampala University underlined their growing dominance in regional netball after sweeping aside hosts and local challengers to win the inaugural Genocide Memorial Netball Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Ggaba-based side produced two emphatic displays at the Kanombe Military Police Netball Ground, crushing APR Netball Club 74-14 in their opening encounter before sealing the championship with an 81-8 demolition of Kigali Netball Club on Sunday.
The tournament was organised by the Rwanda Netball Federation in partnership with the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee and the Ministry of Sport to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while promoting unity and reconciliation through sport.
Kampala University head coach Jesse Asimwe described the trip as an experience that transcended competition, saying his players returned home with a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history.
“We are honoured to participate in this tournament. Beyond winning medals and the trophy, we visited the Gisozi Memorial Centre and learnt about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” Asimwe said.
“We now understand what happened in this country and appreciate the Rwanda Netball Federation and the government for creating an event that unites teams from across East Africa.”
Asimwe attributed his team’s commanding performances to strong institutional support from university chairman Professor Hajji Badru Kateregga and the quality of players within the squad, many of whom also represent Uganda at the highest level.
“Most of our players developed through school competitions before progressing to Uganda’s competitive national league under Netball Uganda. Regular high-level competition has greatly shaped them, and what we saw here is simply what they do best,” he explained.
The triumph provides timely preparation for Kampala University as they set their sights on challenging on the East African Netball Games title in Dodoma, Tanzania, later this year.
At the closing ceremony, Gloria Ayaa was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while match officials were recognised for their outstanding officiating. APR finished runners-up, with Kigali Netball Club settling for third place.